AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Arlington, TX

What Are the Most Common Plumbing Issues in Arlington?

Plumbing issues are almost an inevitable part of life, no matter where you live. But some issues happen more often than others here in Arlington. Knowing what they are may help you spot them earlier and prevent more damage to your home. Here are the three we see most often: 

• Root intrusion. This happens when tree roots start to grow inside your pipes. This is a common issue in Arlington, since there are so many trees. Strong roots can break pipes or may take advantage of pipes that are already damaged. Once the intrusion begins, the roots can grow very quickly. This is an issue you probably won’t be able to diagnose on your own, as it’s hard to see roots inside your pipes without the use of a special camera. Signs of root intrusion include slow drains, low water pressure, and clogs you can’t get rid of. If a professional discovers that your plumbing issues are a root intrusion problem, then they’ll be able to use special equipment to clear the pipes.
• Leaking pipes. Arlington is an older city, first founded in 1876. That means some houses in the area are also that old. As plumbing infrastructure started to go into the city, most of the pipes used were lead. At the time, lead was the go-to material for piping. Today we know that lead can be problematic for many reasons, not the least of which is its limited lifespan. Old lead pipes will only last around 60 years in Texas’ clay soil, meaning those pipes are now deteriorating and causing leaks. Leaks can be tough to diagnose, and even harder to find on your own if there are no obvious signs of water damage. If you have a high water bill, low water pressure, or lots of mold and mildew in your property, it’s time to contact an Arlington plumber to talk about leak detection.
• Clogged drains. Clogs are a big problem for Arlington homeowners. You may be able to avoid some clogs by taking extra care about what goes down your drain. For example, you should never put hot grease down the sink. You should also get a hair trap for your shower drain. Some drain clogs are unavoidable, though, because the issue is in the pipe. Your clog could be due to deteriorating pipes, root invasion, or a clog at the city’s water main connection. If you are struggling to clear your drains, bring in an Arlington plumber to take a look. They can help you find the cause of your clog, remove it, and prevent it from coming back. 

How Does the Water In Arlington Affect Your Plumbing?

Most of Texas has hard water, with several towns in the state measuring some of the hardest water in the country. Arlington, though, has softer water than the rest of Texas. That’s because the water comes from one of four nearby reservoirs. That allows it to avoid sitting underground, where calcium and magnesium particles attach to the water molecules. Those minerals are what make water hard.

That’s good news for plumbing in Arlington. Soft water is much easier on your equipment. Minerals from hard water can build up in your plumbing equipment over time, creating clogs and even causing mechanical parts to wear out faster. Because the water in Arlington is relatively soft, you shouldn’t have many issues with mineral buildup. If you do, though, you can have a water softener installed to help filter out any remaining minerals from the city’s water supply. 

How Much Does Plumbing Usually Cost in Arlington?

Some people hesitate to call a plumber when they need one because they are concerned about the cost. There are two important things to remember here. First, calling a plumber is usually more affordable than you think it will be. Second, the longer you let a plumber issue continue, the more expensive it’s going to be to fix.

On average, though, you’ll pay around $300 when you call a plumber in Arlington, TX. Rates are pretty average all over Arlington, too, so it doesn’t matter if you call a plumber in Central Arlington or one from up in North Arlington. The cost of the plumber will vary, based on factors such as: 

What Kind of Job It Is?

Plumbers do a wide range of jobs. They do everything from fixing a running toilet to repiping your entire house. The more complicated the job, the more it’s going to cost you. Simple jobs, like fixing that running toilet, might cost as little as $50 for labor and materials. If you have a big job to do, though, then the costs can go up quickly. Talk to your trusted Arlington plumber before they start and ask for an estimate. This will help you budget for the project and avoid a surprise with the final bill. 

What Equipment and Supplies They’ll Need?

Homeowners in historic neighborhoods like Old Town may find they need to repipe their property due to old lead pipework. Or you may just need a $5 float to fix a running toilet in Southeast Arlington. Whatever the project might be, the more materials required, the higher your final bill will be. Professional plumbing contractors like Mr. Blue Plumbing often have access to discounted rates on plumbing supplies. You may be able to save money by going through them to get any plumbing equipment you need. Listen to their recommendations on brands, too. Our plumbers will know what brands are likely to hold up for a long time and which ones are more likely to fail sooner.

When Do You Need the Work Done?

Some plumbing problems can wait. Some can’t. An emergency plumbing job is probably going to cost you more especially if it happens in the evenings or over a weekend (and they often do). Mr. Blue Plumbing has emergency plumbers available in Arlington, but you’ll pay a higher fee for their service. It’s worth it though. A plumbing emergency can result in thousands of dollars in water damage, so the sooner you can take care of the issue, the better. 

Can Better Plumbing Save You Money in Arlington?

Absolutely. Better plumbing can help you save money in three different ways: 

• You’ll replace plumbing equipment and fixtures less often. No plumbing fixtures will last forever, but some of them will last a lot longer than others. If you spend a little more to get quality products, you’ll end up replacing them less during your time in your home. For example, you might spend a little more on a higher-quality boiler and never have to replace it again as long as you live in that house. The same goes for things like faucets, sinks, and even your pipes. 
• You won’t call for repairs as much. Better plumbing fixtures require fewer repairs. They won’t break down or corrode as easily, so you won’t have to deal with as many leaks or clogs. Plumbers from Mr. Blue Plumbing have the experience and knowledge about how to repair right the first time. That way you don’t end up paying to have the same issue fixed again and again. 
• You’ll pay less on your monthly water bill. When you take good care of your plumbing and purchase quality equipment, you’ll end up using less water. That’s because you’ll have fewer leaks, drips, and running toilets. So you’ll end up paying less each month on your utility bills. That’s good news for the environment, too. Arlington takes water conservation seriously, with the city offering advice on everything from finding leaks to watering your lawn. Every drop counts. 

When Should You Call the Water Utility Company in Arlington Vs Hire a Plumber?

If the issue is happening on your property, then you’ll need to call a plumber. All pipes are your responsibility to maintain once they cross your property line. If the root of your plumbing issue is because of a city water main, then your plumber can either contact the right department on your behalf or give you the information about who to call. 

You should contact the water utility company in Arlington if you see or suspect: 

• Breaks in water mains
• Sewer overflows
• Water contamination issues

You should call the water department for any water or sewer issues occurring on a city-owned property too. They are available 24 hours a day for emergency calls. The department will send someone to inspect the issue and take action from there. 

When Do You Need Permits for Plumbing Service in Arlington?

In most cases, you’ll need to obtain a permit for plumbing work done in your Arlington home. Exceptions include: 

• Replacing or repairing a part that doesn’t change the capacity or pipework
• Stopping leaks or removing clogs so long as no vents or traps are replaced

In all other cases, you’ll need to obtain a permit. That includes installing a new water heater, remodeling a bathroom (other than for aesthetic changes), or adding new plumbing equipment to your home. If you aren’t sure whether you need a permit for your project, you can contact the permit office and ask their team directly.

You can apply for a plumbing permit online. The process for most permits is relatively straightforward. Some more complicated projects may require you to submit drawings for review by a city planner. An Arlington plumber from Mr. Blue Plumbing can help you with the permit paperwork, and most are very experienced with the process. Working with a professional can help speed up the process and may help reduce your costs. They’ll know what permits you need and how to gain approval from the city.